<a href="http://sofits.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/081029a.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-754" alt="October 29, 2008" src="http://sofits.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/081029a.jpg" width="600" height="378" /></a>

(photo from Oct 29, 2008)

If you are buying new equipment, some suggestions:

1.  Avoid waxless ("fishscale") skis like the plague!   You will neither be able to glide well nor enjoy the downhills. And the noise will drive your friends to distraction.  The exception to this is a dedicated pair of high quality waxless skis chosen specifically for your body weight,  to be used  when conditions are above zero and waxing is tricky.

2. Garage sale skis are not recommended!!!

3. Use a dedicated ski shop such as Fresh Air (always my first choice).  They will be sure to fit you with skis of the correct camber, and poles of the correct length.   Avoid generic sports stores or downhill stores such as Tommy and Lefevre (spelling?) etc.   Pecco's, although it has good equipment and knowledgeable staff,  is famous for NOT standing behind their products after the sale.

4. Always keep your old skis for "rock skiing.   One can never have too many skis!   If they have really poor, antiquated bindings, consider upgrading the bindings to match your new boots, so that you have excellent control on both your rock skis and good skis.

5. Combi boots are great, especially for control on downhills, or if you have balance problems, or a history of hamstring injuries.  However, DO NOT consider buying combi skis.   They are poor for both classic and skating.   You will need dedicated skis and poles for both classic and skating.

6. If you are prone to cold hands, you may want to consider the wide, fancier (and more expensive) velcro grips which tend not to cut off circulation.  Be sure to try them out with the gloves or mitts you will be wearing, especially if you will be wearing thick ones.

7.  Set up a waxing area ahead of time, if you have space to do this.   Then you will be ready to head out the door at the last moment.

Any more suggestions people want to add?